Archive for October, 2018

OC Political presents an op-ed from former Republican Party of Orange County Executive Director Kathy Tavoularis, who directed and implemented the 2004 get-out-the-vote effort in Orange County, producing the highest vote margin of victory for George W. Bush of any county in the United States:

Bill Watterson said, “Selling out is usually a matter of buying in. Sell out, and you’re really buying into someone else’s system of values, rules and rewards.”

The question is: Can you really buy the third-most populous county in California, the sixth-most populous in the United States, and a county more populous than twenty-one U.S. states?

Orange County, for decades known as “America’s Most Republican County,” has seen an unprecedented amount of Democrat dollars spent to flip four traditionally Republican Congressional seats in order to take control of the House of Representatives. To be clear, the list of money to date includes, but is not limited to:

Over $10 million from the House Minority Leader, San Francisco liberal icon Nancy Pelosi

$5 million from liberal San Francisco environmentalist billionaire Tom Steyer

Nearly $10 million from the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee

Over $5 million from former New York Mayor and Democrat Presidential hopeful Mike Bloomberg’s PAC

That is roughly $30 million from outside Orange County that is being spent to buy your vote – whether you are a Republican or a Democrat. Democrats can’t win in Orange County without Republican votes. The numbers aren’t there. So Orange County Republicans voters are being targeted with outside money with San Francisco, Boston and New York values to tell you your values are wrong, that the way you live is wrong, that government is best when it runs your life. So vote Democrat.

Do they not understand the history of Orange County? They do not because they are not from here. Since 1888 when we separated from Los Angeles County, Orange County, a.k.a. “the OC,” has prided itself on being a separate, unique destination. One where you can live comfortably, raise your children and send them to good, safe schools, drive to work and enjoy your weekend on the beach or at an amusement park.

Now, Tom Steyer, Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren want Orange County all to themselves and they are promoting four Democrat Socialists to take over four Congressional districts. You have never heard of these candidates before because they have no history of service in Orange County. But with all that money being spent on them by Tom, Nancy, Bernie and Elizabeth they might soon control you and represent “their” values on your behalf in Congress.

The Democrats’ talking point, especially to Republicans, is: “Hey, it’s great you like Trump, but he needs a check and balance. Give the Democrats the House, and we will make sure he doesn’t do anything crazy.” But don’t be fooled:

In Congressional District 39, a vote for Democrat Gil Cisneros is not a vote against Republican Young Kim or Donald Trump – but a vote FOR San Francisco Liberal Senator Kamala Harris.

In Congressional District 45, a vote for Democrat Katie Porter is not a vote against Republican Congresswoman Mimi Walters or Donald Trump – but a vote FOR Massachusetts Socialist Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren, a mentor of Katie Porter. In fact, Ms. Porter’s campaign Treasurer is Alexander Warren, Senator Warren’s son. And Porter named her daughter after the Massachusetts Senator.

In Congressional District 48, a vote for Harley Rouda is not a vote against Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher or Donald Trump – but a vote FOR San Francisco Liberal Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and her quest to be Speaker.

In Congressional District 49, a vote for Mike Levin is not a vote against Diane Harkey or Donald Trump – but a vote FOR Vermont Socialist Democrat Senator Bernie Sanders.

So, I ask, can your vote, values and way of life be bought on November 6?

OC Political presents an op-ed from Laguna Beach businessman and philanthropist Steve Borowski:

Congressional Candidate Harley Rouda (D-Laguna Beach)

The first I heard the name Harley Rouda was through a friend who invited me to a Rouda for Congress reception at her home. I couldn’t attend, which was probably a good thing given my propensity to ask questions. Once he displaced Hans Kierstead in the primary, I thought I should learn a little more about Harley Rouda who very well could be my next representative in Congress. What I found was not unexpected.

Although Rouda claims to be a champion of small business, he rails against the Trump “tax cuts for the rich.” I don’t know if this is simply a Democrat talking point he feels the need to parrot or something he truly believes. If the latter, he can’t be interested in promoting small business. 80% of private sector job creation comes from small to medium sized business. Proprietors of these small businesses are taxed at the personal level. Raising taxes will disproportionately affect those among us who have the ability and willingness to create jobs.

“Medicare for All” – Code for government-controlled single-payer health care. A standard mantra among the left. Medicare is a payment tool. Not a health care delivery tool. There’s a huge difference. How many doctors decline to take Medicare patients because they can’t get paid? Now expand that to 320 million people with no competitive options. And no more “if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan.” Private health care would be illegal if Rouda had his way. If you’re one of the 160 million Americans with employer-provided health care, it’s gone. Picture government running our health care system with DMV-like efficiency. An unparalleled disaster waiting to happen. The Veterans Administration on steroids. Government controlled health care is rationing not to mention a $32 TRILLION price tag.

Rouda claims he accepts “No Corporate PAC Money,” but somehow, he thinks campaign cash from public employee labor unions and left-wing billionaires George Soros and Tom Steyer is OK?

“Free Tuition” – How do you plan on doing that? I’m not paying for your Gender Studies degree. Starbucks has enough baristas.

A few weeks ago, Rouda was on the impeachment bandwagon. His website said his constituents tell him that Trump crossed the line in terms of impeachable offenses. Tellingly, that comment disappeared. I’m surprised Rouda hasn’t pulled his criticism of Kavanaugh once that allegation proved to be shady at best.

Also, a few weeks ago, Nancy Pelosi’s endorsement was prominently displayed on Rouda’s website. After her many meltdowns, she’s nowhere to be found. I’d be embarrassed too.

I have no doubt Harley Rouda is a good man. I don’t know if his public stance on issues is simply red meat for his base for election purposes, and then, as with most, he will govern in a different direction, or he believes his hyperbole.

Every election year I put together my “Craig’s Pics” voter recommendations for conservative voters. As with every election, what we as voters do at the polls (who we elect or initiatives we pass / vote down) matter greatly. As you will see in my recommendations this year, I believe there is a stark contrast between electing Republicans versus Democrats.

Since posting my recommendations, I have been getting a lot of folks asking “What about those judges on the ballot?” Great question! For judges (they are actually Justices of the Appeals Court and Supreme Court up for a “retention vote”). For these races I recommend people go to Robyn Nordell’s Orange County page. If you don’t live in Orange County go to: Voter Recommendations then find your county.

Here is the link to my updated recommendations: Craig’s Pics Nov 2018 Updated 10-17-18. My updated Pics have a couple of races I did not have recommendations for a few weeks ago (State Controller and Molton Niguel Water District).

A few weeks ago I posted here at O.C. Political why I recommend voters vote for Republicans for the Congressional Districts in Orange County (well all over California but I am just focusing on the O.C. Districts). Here is a link to that post: “What’s At Stake…” I suggest you go take a look at my post and consider why voting this year is critical. I will repeat what I stated in that post and in my voter recommendations: “For a Conservative Voter to stay at home (not vote) is to cast a ballot for Democrats.” In addition for the 49th Congressional District (where I live) I posted about the race between conservative Diane Harkey and resist liberal Democrat Mike Levin. If you live in the 49th or have friends who live there I recommend that post too.

I hope you find my Updated Voter Recommendations helpful!

Craig P. Alexander is an attorney whose office is located in Dana Point, CA. He practices law in the areas of Office and Commercial Leasing, Business Contracts, Insurance Coverage, HOA law, Civil Litigation and the California Public Records Act (California’s Freedom of Information Act).

This November 6, 2018 voters in the 49th Congressional District will have a stark choice between two candidates – one a Conservative Republican and one a Liberal Resist Democrat. Before you go vote consider what each of these candidates stand for and will likely do if elected to Congress.

Diane is being maliciously smeared by the Levin campaign for a lawsuit from which she was dismissed. I have known Diane for more than 15 years. She is of the utmost integrity, has a notable list of endorsements and has a solid record of fighting for taxpayers and average citizens. She advocates common sense solutions for everyday Americans and Californians. If you wish to see the economy continue to improve and provide opportunity for everyone, vote for Diane Harkey. If you think Government should run your life, tax you massively for that “service” and force you to pay for ever more government programs, Mike Levin is your candidate.

Harkey = Economic Growth, Freedom and National Security. Levin = halting the current economic boom, open borders, and more gridlock in Washington, D.C. with endless calls for investigations and impeachment of President Trump (then Pence, then whoever Nancy Pelosi and Maxine Waters to not like).

One final thought (as I stated in my prior posts on this blog) – if you as a conservative voter stay home (do not vote), in my opinion you are casting a vote for the Democrats.

Visit Diane’s website: www.harkeyforcongress.com if you want to see the issues and where she stands on important topics of the day.

Every election year I put together my “Craig’s Pics”voter recommendations for conservative voters. As with every election, what we as voters do at the polls (who we elect or initiatives we pass / vote down) matter greatly. As you will see in my recommendations this year, I believe there is a stark contrast between electing Republicans versus Democrats.

There are some other awesome voter recommendations from people like Robyn Nordell, Nancy Sandoval, Craig Huey and Kathy Dittner. Robyn has her own web site and very kindly puts my recommendations, Nancy’s, Kathy’s and others one her site. Part of the fun is we do not always agree!

One common theme for all of us is none of us is paid one penny for our recommendations – none of us is “for hire.”

A few days ago I posted here at O.C. Political why I recommend voters vote for Republicans for the Congressional Districts in Orange County (well all over California but I am just focusing on the O.C. Districts). Here is a link to that post: “What’s At Stake…” I suggest you go take a look at my post and consider why voting this year is critical. I will repeat what I stated in that post and in my voter recommendations: “For a Conservative Voter to stay at home (not vote) is to cast a ballot for Democrats.”

I hope you find my Voter Recommendations helpful!

Craig P. Alexander is an attorney whose office is located in Dana Point, CA. He practices law in the areas of Office and Commercial Leasing, Business Contracts, Insurance Coverage, HOA law, Civil Litigation and the California Public Records Act (California’s Freedom of Information Act).

Barbre says Nichols’s opponent has received money from public employee unions and voted to raise the sales tax. He says Nichols should be endorsed because he went through the endorsement process.

Nelson says Chad Wanke is a family man and good Republican. He notes there are many other issues going on in Placentia. He opposes the sales tax measure but says that he agrees with Wanke on many other issues. He notes Tim Shaw did the same thing in La Habra. He does not want to pick every backyard fight and does not believe the Central Committee does either. Nelson said he has never met Nichols before Nichols filed for office. He notes Nichols didn’t even bother to submit a ballot argument against the sales tax measure.

John W. Briscoe asks how Endorsements Committee voted.

Your truly questions Nichols’s voter registration.

TJ Fuentes offers a substitute motion for neutrality.

Fuentes says there are two good Republicans, and the party should stay out.

Barbre says the Party should endorse over a bad Republican and notes five Republicans backed Bob Citron and voted for 3% at 50. He questions the Placentia embezzlement.

Fleischman says Vargas is a proven Republican voice for conservative principles. He says other Republican Brea Councilmembers grow government while Vargas opposes them.

Councilwoman Cecilia Hupp says she has been frustrated on the Council but must represent the entire community. She says on development fees, Vargas kept stating his agreement with increases and then voted against st the last minute. She says he voted for the first reading of a water fee increase and then against the second reading.

John W. Briscoe asks why Vargas did not go to Endorsements Committee.

Vargas describes a work emergency that kept him away.

Hupp argues he showed up at a candidate forum that night.

By voice vote, the committee votes against the motion for endorsement.

What’s at Stake For Orange County Voters This November 6th? Control of the U.S. Congress! Or why you need to vote and get your family and friends to vote!

This year’s election is giving us a stark contrast between the two major political parties Democrat and Republican. In the two years since Donald Trump’s election to the Presidency we have witnessed a “resistance” movement by Democrats and their allies that has thrown out all sense of bi-partisanship, compassion, respect for differing opinions or compromise on important policy decisions. The Democratic Party at its highest levels has embraced the following:

“Medicare for all” which is government run health care at both the federal and state levels. This would increase your tax burden by at least twice (double) and maybe even three times what you currently pay now. (Fact Check Article & Bloomberg Article ) All of the local Democratic candidates for Congress support this. Gavin Newsom (the Democratic candidate for Governor) has made it a main goal of his campaign promises to institute this in California, including medical coverage for illegal aliens. (NY Times Article & LA Times Article)

The abolition of ICE (the federal agency that enforces our immigration laws). Democrats are committed to this dangerous proposal and they have offered no real plan for a replacement for ICE. Locally Democrats have passed laws to restrict our police and local authorities from cooperating with ICE and other federal immigration agencies. This Sanctuary Law also protects criminal illegal aliens who commit violent crimes against our citizens.

Reversal of the Trump Tax Cuts and De-Regulation. After eight years of slow or no growth under Former President Obama (who called it the “new normal”), President Trump and the Republicans in Congress have passed historic tax cuts and abolished reams of business killing regulations. Result: across the board almost all Americans have more money in their pockets, have more opportunities for employment or starting their own businesses and unemployment is down – WAY down. Unemployment among African Americans and Hispanics is at its lowest levels since those statistics have been gathered. Democrats say these tax cuts are bad for the economy and for workers their tax cut bonuses are “crumbs” (per Nancy Pelosi). The facts prove the Democrats are wrong.

Judicial Nominations of Constitutionally minded judges stopped. As I write this we are seeing the unfolding of the debacle of the confirmation of Judge Bret Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. Democrats want courts to impose their policy preferences on us via the Court’s (since they can’t do most of them via the legislative process in Washington, D.C.). In addition, one of the main things that caused conservatives (like me) to vote for Donald Trump for President was his promise to appoint only conservative judges to the federal bench – and he has kept that promise. Democrats want to stop that by blocking those judicial candidates (including smear campaigns by our own Diane Feinstein) not to mention blocking President Trump’s administration appointees.

Continued Taxpayer Funding for Planned Parenthood.All of the local Democratic Congressional Candidates believe you should help Planned Parenthood continue abortion practices on your tax dollar.

Continued Attitude that anyone who votes Republican and especially for President Donald Trump is a racist “deplorable” or “dregs of society” person. I don’t think I need say more about that. Washington Times – Biden Article

Impeach Trump! (then Pence, then Kavanaugh, then anyone else Nancy Pelosi & Maxine Waters dislike). This seems to be the Democrats main rant every time they get the microphone. If the Democrats get control of the House of Representatives, the next two years will be nothing but votes to impeach the President and anyone some Democratic Party leaders don’t like. Maxine Waters Video

8. Keeping Your Gas Taxes (and vehicle registrations) High! They support the irresponsible increase in your gas and registration taxes. (Please Vote YES on Proposition 6 to lower repeal the Gas Taxes – Yes On Prop. 6 link). Not only do the Democrats want you to pay more to the Federal government in taxes, they want you to pay more at the pump for gas with a large part of those funds going to the failed high speed rail project.

There are other policy issues and other differences between the Republicans and the Democrats, but with this overview I hope gives you an idea of what is at stake this election. Move forward with a pro-America and pro-growth agenda or a return to a poor economy and grid lock government. Also, in my opinion, staying at home (and not voting) is a vote for Democrats.

With that introduction I recommendation your and your family vote for U.S. Congress in Orange County:

Craig P. Alexander is an attorney located in Dana Point, California. His law practice includes office and commercial leasing, insurance coverage, HOA law and the California Public Records Act. The opinions expressed herein are his own.